There are other services at treasurydirect.gov. For example, if you’re buying treasuries, and you’d like to know when the next auction is, you can set up an automatic mechanism whereby the treasury will send you notices of when an auction will occur.

Can’t I Just Go to a Stockbroker and Do All of This?

Not for savings bonds. They can be acquired only directly from the treasury. But a broker can help you buy other treasury securities.

There are two things to keep in mind when buying bonds with a broker.

First, you likely will have to invest a minimum of $1,000.

Second, you might face fees for your transactions. In Greg’s case, when he asked his brokerage to buy a bond, it told him the fee would be $25. But the person he spoke with actually encouraged him to go to treasurydirect.gov.

Can I Buy Savings Bonds with Automated Withdrawals from My Paycheck?

Your employer can offer that option. The company sets up a payroll direct deposit account in your name with the treasury and you decide how much to transfer and how often.

What If I Want to Give a Savings Bond to Someone Else?

This is one element that’s more difficult than before.

The recipient needs to open a treasurydirect.gov account to access the savings bond or you need to keep the bond in your account.

If it’s a child, then the parents will have to take of opening the account, essentially as if a bank account were being opened for a child.

What If I Don’t Have a Computer?

Millions either don’t have a computer or don’t access the internet (e.g., 44 percent of those aged 65 and over). So that’s a tough situation.

Ask a close relative or friend to set up an account in your name. Otherwise, you might just have to make a cash gift.